Week 1 – Central Community House

The theme of the week for me is connection. From my first interactions with the people at Central, this is what I felt. It was almost emotional for me at first – because it seems as though everything I have experienced in my life has uniquely suited me to serve at Central. Not only do I feel personally connected to Central, but Central shows an authentic connection to the community and to the people that live there. Further, Central takes such a holistic approach to serving families, the connection between each of their programs to the others is palpable. There is also a strong connection between the initiatives at Central, and a data-driven approach that produces measurable outcomes, which is also a passion of mine. 

I have always had a heart for children – especially children with obstacles to overcome. Although I come from a rural community, many of the issues facing the children in the Near East and South Side neighborhoods of Columbus are similar, such as generational poverty and barriers to opportunity. Central empowers the children and teens in their community through after-school programming (transportation included!), Summer day camps (complete with weekend family adventures around Columbus), and the TRANSIT ARTS program, where amazing artists from the community help lead teens in art sessions, ranging from music and dance to visual art and poetry. As someone that was heavily involved in the arts growing up, I can understand firsthand the impact that this work has on the lives it touches. Walking into the TRANSIT ARTS space felt like coming home – there was so much movement and color, it just makes you want to create!

Central provides services for families as well – from parenting workshops to emergency funding for those experiencing a crisis, Central understands the importance of meeting families where they are and connecting them with vital resources. The Academy for Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) program is yet another program at Central that assists individuals with starting their own businesses, or providing support to those who already own their own small business. 

Before returning to school, I was the manager of an affordable housing community for seniors. In that role, I fell in love with serving seniors in the community, and helping them to combat the isolation that often comes with living alone as you age, while providing a safe and affordable place for them to live. Village Central is working hard to make sure the seniors in the area have access to activities, workshops, and valuable services that can help seniors remain independent and aging-in-place. Central also provides transportation services, and most recently, an awesome program to connect seniors with technology and training to help them remain engaged and safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As I met with people throughout the week, I took time to pause and reflect on the connection this work has to my own life. I spent some time in the past few years spiraling and directionless, both in my life, and in my career. I feel I have landed smack dab in the middle of something wonderful, and something I am so thankful and proud to be a part of.